The Complete Cosmetic Compliance Checklist: Every Document You Need Before Launch
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The Complete Cosmetic Compliance Checklist
Launching a cosmetic product in the UK or EU involves more than creating a formula and packaging. From raw material documentation to safety assessment, product notification and ongoing compliance, each stage needs to be completed correctly before your product reaches the market.
1. Collect Raw Material SDSs
Start by collecting current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for relevant raw materials, fragrance concentrates and other ingredients supplied with hazard information. These documents provide important information that may be required during the safety assessment.
Learn more about the 16 Sections of an SDS or refer to ECHA's SDS guidance.
2. Check Restricted Substances
Review your ingredients against applicable restricted substance requirements and relevant SVHC information before finalising your formulation. Regulatory lists can change, so ingredient compliance should be reviewed regularly.
Learn more about SVHC and restricted substances.
3. Understand CLP Requirements
Some cosmetic raw materials may have hazard classifications under CLP. Understanding these classifications is important when reviewing raw material documentation and preparing the overall safety assessment.
Read our CLP Regulation guide or visit HSE's CLP guidance.
4. Obtain a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) assesses the safety of the finished cosmetic product using information about the formulation, ingredients, exposure and toxicological data. A CPSR is a key requirement before placing a cosmetic product on the UK or EU market.
5. Prepare the Product Information File (PIF)
The Product Information File (PIF) brings together the key documentation supporting your cosmetic product. It includes the CPSR along with product information, manufacturing details, claims evidence and other required records.
Learn more about PIF Services.
6. Finalise Compliant Labelling
Your cosmetic label should contain the information required for the target market, including the ingredient list, nominal content, batch number, Responsible Person details, durability information and applicable warnings.
UK and EU requirements can differ, so labels should be reviewed for the specific market where the product will be sold.
7. Complete Product Notification
Before selling a cosmetic product, the appropriate product notification must be completed for the target market. EU products are notified through CPNP, while products placed on the Great Britain market generally require SCPN notification.
Learn about EU CPNP Product Notification | Learn about UK SCPN Product Notification
8. Check Whether PCN and UFI Are Required
Some products with a CLP hazard classification may require Poison Centre Notification (PCN) and a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) for the relevant EU requirements. This should be assessed based on the classification of the finished product.
Visit the ECHA Poison Centres Portal for official information.
9. Keep Your Compliance Documents Updated
Cosmetic compliance does not end when a product is launched. Formula changes, updated supplier SDSs, ingredient regulatory changes, new claims or packaging changes may require your CPSR, PIF, labelling or notifications to be reviewed and updated.
Quick Cosmetic Compliance Checklist
- Current raw material SDSs collected
- Restricted substances and SVHC requirements reviewed
- CLP classification checked where relevant
- CPSR completed
- PIF prepared and maintained
- UK/EU cosmetic labelling reviewed
- CPNP notification completed where applicable
- SCPN notification completed where applicable
- PCN and UFI requirements assessed where applicable
- Compliance documents maintained after launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CPSR for every cosmetic product?
Yes. Each finished cosmetic product placed on the UK or EU market requires an appropriate safety assessment and Cosmetic Product Safety Report.
Is a PIF the same as a CPSR?
No. The CPSR is an important part of the Product Information File, but the PIF contains additional product and compliance documentation.
Do I need both CPNP and SCPN?
It depends on where your product is being placed on the market. CPNP applies to the EU market, while SCPN applies to cosmetic products placed on the Great Britain market.
Do all cosmetic products require a Poison Centre Notification?
No. PCN requirements depend on whether the finished product meets the applicable CLP hazard classification criteria.
Can I use the same cosmetic label in the UK and EU?
Not always. UK and EU cosmetic requirements can differ, particularly regarding Responsible Person information and notification requirements. The final label should be reviewed for each intended market.
Does cosmetic compliance need to be updated after launch?
Yes. Changes to the formula, ingredients, suppliers, claims, packaging or applicable regulations may require your compliance documentation to be reviewed and updated.
Need Help With Cosmetic Compliance?
From CPSR and PIF preparation to UK SCPN and EU CPNP notification, having the right documents in place helps you prepare your cosmetic product for the intended market.
CPSR Services | PIF Services | UK SCPN | EU CPNP | Contact Us